A Growing Operation: Sparta Candle Goes From Personal Project To Multi-State Business
Sparta native’s shop remains web-only during quarantine
GLADE VALLEY-Four years ago, there were no soy candles available in Glade Valley. You couldn’t find them in Sparta either. Since Jennifer Swenk couldn’t buy any locally, she decided to make her own. Now what started off as a personal project has turned into a growing business, one with products sold across the country.
“I started in the guest bedroom in my house,” Swenk said. “At first, I didn’t have enough to even fill that. Now I have my own shop and we sell in different stores.”
When she started, Swenk wasn’t looking to sell her product. The Sparta resident just wanted to make some for herself and other family members. But then people started looking to buy. Friends and family wanted some of the soy candles she made, to the point Swenk decided to turn the project into a business. She officially launched Sparta Candle Company in January 2019, naming it after her hometown, and moved into her shop July 4.
People in Sparta, Independence, Virginia and Ashe County are loyal customers, dropping by one of the shops selling her candles. Beyond that, she’s got a strong internet customer base, with people ordering from Washington, Texas and Illinois.
“When I first started, I had no intention of shipping across the country,” Swenk said. “But the orders started coming in from all over. It just makes me feel good that people enjoy this.”
Going Through The Process
For Swenk, designing a candle is a process. Whenever she has an idea, she puts it into a notebook and starts to build around that. A lot of the time, she starts with a name, usually something built around a business in the Sparta area or something to do with the landscape.
“Sometimes, it’s as simple as a word I associate with the area,” Swenk said. “After that, it’s really just trial and error.”
For example, Swenk explained that she had been trying to create a “Fruit Loops” candle for a while. But the first couple of attempts didn’t smell anything like the inspiration. They did, however, smell like other very familiar items. With some tweaking, that’s how her “Gummy Bear” and “Harvest Moon” candles came about. After a few more attempts, she was able to perfect her original plan and now there’s a “Fruit Loops” candle up for sale.
Even though North Carolina moved into Reopening Phase II on May 22, Swenk hasn’t opened her shop back up. Places like candle stores offer a different challenge from the other shops that are reopening now.
“Coming to a candle shop is a very respiratory experience,” Swenk said. “You want to smell everything. I think it’s too risky right now, so we’re staying with just the website going.”
Even though the physical shops are closed, Swenk wanted to do something to help Sparta and the surrounding area, so she’s donating 10 percent of sales to Grace Kitchen. The operation, located at 190 Main St. in Sparta, provides a free meal to the community every Wednesday. If you want more information about Grace, you can visit their Facebook page. As for Sparta Candle, their website can be found here. Swenk said she appreciates her community and everyone who’s helped support Sparta Candle during quarantine.
“I love my hometown,” Swenk said. “I’m fortunate to have a lot of support and I’m grateful for all of it.”
Brian Carlton is the editor for NWNC. He can be reached at brian.carlton38@gmail.com.
